Luxury 11-Day Wildlife Safari in Zimbabwe

This tour can be done as a self-drive or as a privately guided tour with a driver/guide.

Zimbabwe is well-known for its natural wonders, amongst which are the Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Matopos National Park and the hidden gem Gonarezhou National park in the South East of Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe is home of the renowned big seven – buffalo, elephant, rhino, leopard, lion, hippo and crocodile. But there is so much more to see! For wild-life enthusiasts Zimbabwe is truly a perfect destination.
Above all, Zimbabwe is known for its people – proud, warm, friendly – a people eager to share their country, their culture, and their hospitality with you. We, at Nyati Travel, invite you to share with us, our love for wildlife in Zimbabwe.

Tour Highlights

Wildlife in GonarezhouMatopos and Hwange National Parks
See the wonders of Zimbabwe’s wildlife

Victoria Falls
The Smoke That Thunders! A true wonder of the world

Map

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The information below is intended to assist you as you consider your travel options with Nyati Travel. In addition to the detailed itinerary there is some useful information to provide you with an overview of your accommodation & meals, all issues concerning money, passports, visas, vaccinations, insurance, clothing, personal equipment and much more to help you with your travel preparations.

How to book

Write us an email with your details and requested dates. We simply take it from there.

Luxury Accommodation (5 star)

This accommodation is the best Zimbabwe offers. High quality rooms, top-of-the-range meals, this is truly luxury.

Car hire options

There are some choices available for car hire:

car with one of our experienced driver/guide, this obviously provides great convenience to our guests, no worry you will get lost, and feed- back from previous clients show that our drivers/guides are safe drivers, are helpful and friendly and are a great source of information on the day-to-day life in Zimbabwe

in Zimbabwe you can drive yourself, many people have done so, all main roads are excellent, the road signage is good, roads are basically quiet, some city roads can be bad, especially in Harare, so we advise you not to drive in Harare, but use our driver, or use taxi’s which are widely available everywhere, and reasonably priced

our prices are based on using our own fleet, consisting of good and reliable cars which are very competitively priced, because they are not brand new. In case you want to upgrade your car we can provide you with options using the fleets if our trading partners Europcar and Avis.

Meals

Based on Bed and Breakfast in Harare and Victoria Falls. In Gonarezhou, Matopos and Hwange all meals and activities are included. Activities in Harare and Victoria Falls can be booked on site or can be pre-booked.

Budgeting for your tour

The itinerary details what is included and what is excluded. Note that in general entrance fees and national park fees are excluded. In all places where meals are not included there is a choice of meals for all budgets. In all destinations activities are on offer which can be booked and paid on arrival.

Activities can also be pre-booked and pre-paid; when you make your booking we will inquire from you if you are interested in this option.

Flight information

You are able to book this tour on a ‘land only’ basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Nyati Travel is an IATA licensed travel agent and on request you will be send a quotation from your nearest airport to Harare. Normally we send you options so you can choose based on convenience and budget. The quotation is valid at the time of your enquiry. Only payment for your ticket will guarantee the fare price. Booking early guarantees the lowest fare. You are free to accept this offer or arrange your air travel yourself.

If you book your own flights please note your airport of arrival is Harare and departure is from Victoria Falls, or Livingstone, which is just across the border with Zambia. From there you connect to the airport from which your international flight departs from: Lusaka, Nairobi, Harare or Johannesburg.

Flexibility and Extensions

We offer two standard individual extensions to two popular wild life areas: Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe and Kasane near Chobe North National Park in Botswana. These are mere examples, many more options are available, for instance extensions to Mana Pools in Zimbabwe or The Okavango Delta in Botswana. Feel free to request our office to give you additional advice and quotations.

Within the itinerary you have flexibility: we can include more options, like The Eastern Highlands and Gonarezhou. Per destination you can stay longer if you so wish.

Our tours are merely examples, and our travel consultants can easily change itineraries to suit all your needs in terms of your preferences.

Payment for your tour

Once your bookings have been confirmed, you will be send an invoice with payment instructions. You can pay with credit card using a secure website, bank charges (estimated to be 3.5%) are to be paid for by customers. We require a 10 % non-refundable deposit. If your travel starts within 60 days of booking, full payment will be required at the time of booking. The balance after paying the deposit is due 60 days before departure. The price paid for our holidays is no longer subject to change. Once you have paid we will guarantee that the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances.

Guaranteed Money Pay-back

Your payment is guaranteed though the SATSA-approved guarantee. Nyati Travel is a member of SATSA, Southern African Tourism Services Association. The association’s “Lost Advance fund” guarantees money back when Nyati travel defaults on its obligations. For more information check the following website: http://www.satsa.com/bonding-2/

Travel Insurance

It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We strongly recommend that your policy includes curtailment, personal effects and cancellation protection as all deposits paid are non-refundable. You will also need to ensure your travel policy covers you for all activities you intend to do whilst on tour.

Money

In Zimbabwe cash can be withdrawn with a Visa and/or Master card at most ATM’s. We will make regular stops at places where you can withdraw cash. Your tour guide will advise you in good time. In Zimbabwe it is not common to pay with your credit card in shops and restaurants. The currency used is USD. It is best to take your money in a combination of cash USD and credit card. Carry enough cash (US$) from your home country, in small denominations, it will make your journey much easier.

Medical

Medical facilities in Zimbabwe, are sufficient for all first aid and common problems. Travellers requiring medical assistance calling for a blood transfusion, or who suffer any serious illness, or who are involved in an accident may require medical evacuation to South Africa. Excellent facilities are therefore one hour flying away. Ensure that you have adequate travel insurance, including medical air evacuation, for the duration of your stay, and be sure to verify which circumstances and activities are excluded from your policy. Almost all medical services, such as doctors, hospitals and air ambulance medical evacuation, must be paid for in cash, as overseas medical insurance payments are not everywhere accepted. An overseas credit card will be very useful. Drink only bottled water which is everywhere available. In Zimbabwe there is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of the year. December to April are most risky in the lower areas of the country. In 2015 we organize tours in the dry season months July to October, when malaria hardly occurs. During this tour malaria areas are Hwange, Victoria Falls and when you go on the extension to Kariba and Chobe in Botswana. The other areas that we visit are much less risky for malaria. You will need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria. Your doctor can help you decide which medicine is right for you. Protect yourself from mosquito bites. This includes covering up, using insect repellent. Our choice of accommodation provides you with a mosquito net in your bedroom. There is no risk of yellow fever in Zimbabwe. The government of Zimbabwe requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever.In Zimbabwe no cases of Ebola have been reported. Ebola occurs in the Western part of Africa, a distance from Harare as far as from Amsterdam to New York. When flying into Harare you will be checked for fever the moment you enter the airport. The thermometer will be pointed at your forehead and it takes literally one second.

Safety

Zimbabwe is generally a safe country to travel. Street crime, such as pick pocketing and bag snatching happens. Ensure that your personal belongings and travel documents are secure, particularly in crowded places, and carry a photocopy of your passport. You should be particularly cautious when leaving banks and automated banking machines. Remain vigilant, avoid travelling alone at all times and avoid walking after dark. Photography of people is generally no problem. Government offices, airports, military establishments, in addition to other sensitive facilities, is prohibited. Laws are strictly enforced, and all restrictions should be observed. If in doubt, do not take a picture.

Visa Requirements

Passport must be valid for the period of your stay. Make sure there are some extra available pages in your passport. For most nationalities a tourist Visa can be obtained on arrival at a fee of between US$30 and US $70 payable in cash. The visa is valid for a maximum of 3 months. Keep the address of your first hotel at hand as you need to enter this on your entry form. . For more information on visa requirements, check the following website: http://www.zimimmigration.gov.zw/index.php/visa-regime If you go to Botswana for your extension and return again to Zimbabwe to catch your flight out of Vic Falls to Johannesburg or Harare that you need a Univisa that allows you entry in Zimbabwe, Botswana and Zambia.Disclaimer: It is your responsibility to make sure all the necessary visa – and health requirements are fulfilled. We will advise you to the best of our ability but cannot be held responsible for any omissions in terms of visa and health requirements.

Preparing for your tour

Climate The climate is tropical, although markedly moderated by altitude. There is a dry season, including a short cool season during the period May to September when the whole country has very little rain. The rainy season is typically a time of heavy rainfall from November to MarchEquipment you need A torch, water bottle, sunhat/sunscreen and insect repellent. Binoculars are a must for your game drives.Footwear Comfortable shoes (or well broken-in walking boots if planning to hike), trainers or sandals for relaxing/travelling.Clothing should generally be lightweight for the day. Also take a fleece, long trousers, a waterproof and windproof jacket. Take swimming gear and a beach towel. During winter (July) we recommend you bring plenty of warm clothing, as temperatures can drop significantly. During spring (September to November) temperatures can drop in the evening, during the day you need a hat and sunscreen to protect you against the strong sun.Swimming pools can be cold in the winter months as they are outside and not heated.Luggage. On tour take a soft bag or suitcase. Also take a daypack for items needed during any walks or sightseeing. Check with your airline the maximum weight of luggage allowed. Generally the limit is 23 kg.Electric Supply & Plugs 3 Pin Square (UK)Mobile phone: It is possible to buy a sim card, it is best to do that on arrival at the airport at TelOne. Econet is also possible but there you need to submit your address (proof of residence) to buy your sim. Roaming on your own sim card is possible but generally expensive. Note that not everywhere in Zimbabwe there is signal for your mobile to work. Especially in game parks, do not expect a signal.

Why choose Nyati Travel

We’ve been creating adventure holidays for nearly 25 years in Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Zambia, earning the trust of hundreds of delighted customers. You feel safe in our hands. Our tour leaders and drivers have expert local knowledge and our tours are designed to take you off the beaten track to see the most exotic, inspiring and dramatic places in Zimbabwe.